Research Strategy

The Liverpool experimental particle physics strategy is driven by the search for answers to key questions concerned with the origin and nature of the Universe. As well as being involved in major experiments worldwide, we also actively engage in R&D for future experiments, and collaborate closely with industry

Matter, Energy, Space and Time

In our quest to understand Matter, Energy, Space and Time we have the following main objectives:

Understanding the origin of the mass of elementary particles by studying the Higgs particle. We are searching for the possible existence of an extended Higgs sector and supersymmetry.

Studying decays of hadrons to search for evidence of new physics and to explore the relationship between matter dominance in our universe and CP violation.

Performing precision measurements of the Standard Model at the Terascale to confirm its validity in this new regime, or reveal deviations exposing New Physics.

Elucidating the nature of neutral leptons by determining their unknown properties (mixings, masses, are they Majorana or Dirac particles, do they violate CP symmetry), which may provide insights into the matter dominance in our universe and new physics at very high energy scales.

Looking for new physics in the decays of charged leptons, in particular the muon.

Exploring the cosmic connection through gamma-ray astronomy and astronomical surveys and by perfoming terrestrial searches for Dark Energy and Dark Matter

Research, Development and Outreach

All our science programme is underwritten by developing and delivering detectors. Our major streams are:

Development of radiation tolerant CMOS detectors for use as tracking devices in Particle Physics Experiment

Liquid Argon tracking detector technology towards a future giant detector for the global neutrino programme, and the long term objective to make the first measurement of coherent neutrino scattering.

Development of novel composite materials engineering techniques to enable to the building of high precision, low mass detectors

Application of Deep Learning techniques to Particle Physics

Applications of all the above technologies to benefit UK plc, the public, and to meet global challenges.

Development of future facilities for particle physics is a high priority for this group:

Development of benchmark Monte Carlo simulation package for neutrino experiments

Future options for the LHC and FCC

Contributing the CERN’s Beyond Collider Physics Programme

We continuously strive to promote Particle Physics to the public by efficient communication through the media, contacts to industrialists, opinion and policy makers and through a programme of outreach to schools.